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Location notes

A metal footbridge spanning the main Taunton to Exeter line close to Taunton town centre and station.

Railway type and traffic

First Great Western HSTs and Cross Country Voyagers average 1-2 per hour in each direction, XC HSTs are lesser in number, but do turn up daily. FGW 150s and 153s can also be seen, 143s can come through but are very rare.Various movements from Network Rails HOBC depot at Fairwater yard can be seen here, these trains are usually very long, and operate on an almost daily basis, usually top and tailed with FL 66s.Other freight movements are sparse, but DB 66s on oil trains are seen weekly, as is the Colas log train, test trains are also fairly regular.

Environment

40 steps is a well used footbridge spanning a wide track formation close to the west throat of Taunton Station. It is situated 1/4 mile from the station in a residential / light commercial area.

Road directions

From the M5, junction 25:Head towards Taunton on the A38 dual carriageway. At the second roundabout turn left away from the over bridge and follow the ring road around the south of the town centre. At the divergence of 'A' roads, bear left taking the A3027 towards Staplegrove and Norton Fitzwarren. This again takes you away from the station.About 800m after the junction, before crossing the railway, take a right turn into Chip Lane and park along the street underneath the 40 steps footbridge. This is also the road that leads into the Royal Mail sorting office.

There is usually ample parking in Chip Lane which is a dead end road leading to the Royal Mail depot. It is also visible from the footbridge.

Public transport

Leave Taunton by the main entrance by the ticket office in the subway. Cross the main road directly outside the entrance. It may be necessary to use the pedestrian crossing up the road if traffic is busy. You need to head up the road directly opposite the station though, which is Railway Street. Follow this a short way around to the right and take a second left into Cyril Street.Walk up this road approximately 200m where the footpath onto the bridge joins from the left.Total distance approx 500m.

The Great Western main line runs roughly east to west at this location, so generally up trains suit morning light, down trains are best done in the evening.The disused formation is so wide that shots can be taken from all four angles around the bridge. Down trains taken from the south of the line require a 120+mm lens to overcome an inconveniently placed signal.Generally quite open this location holds light well. It also offers interesting glints and sunsets in the evening. There can be little warning of fast up trains approaching under the girder road bridge. However the points and station starting signals for the up road are visible from the bridge.There is not a great amount of noise, but the bridge is quite busy with pedestrians and the use of tripods can be a little problematic. It is also quite exposed and therefore windy.

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